Our nonprofit alliance was founded on the belief that protecting the health of the Bitterroot River is foundational to what makes Western Montana so special.
The iconic Bitterroot River Valley has long supported ranching and agriculture, while its unmatched beauty draws in hunters, anglers, and tourists. All of this drives the regional economy. We’re working to ensure the river, and the economies it sustains, remains thriving.
The Bitterroot Clean Water Alliance works to protect the Bitterroot River from the devastating impacts of mining so that the region’s ecology, economy, public health, and way of life can continue to thrive for generations to come.
Phil Ramsey is a resident of the West Fork and earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Montana in 2006 for studies of how heavy metal contamination affects rivers. Phil is the lead scientist and general manager of the 16,000-acre MPG Ranch near Florence, Montana. This renowned biological research station focuses on developing the best science for land management. Phil has published over 70 research papers in top academic journals on river ecology, birds, big game, weed control, forestry, and prairie restoration.
Bonny-Bleu’s life experiences have taken her across the West, but Montana is home. Bonny’s family always made time to spend summers at their cabin on the Bitterroot River and eventually moved to Montana, where Bonny finished high school and graduated from the University of Montana. Fly fishing on Montana rivers became Bonny’s sanctuary. As a Montana realtor, Bonny specializes in ranches, land, waterfront and residential properties. Bonny and her husband, Phil, are both passionate about Montana lands and conservation.
